After 2K stripped its 2015 offering down to its bare bones, it is safe to say that punters were as equally impressed with what they had created considering its blank canvas as they were excited for what the 2016 game had in store.
When the makers found a product being run across aged systems and still drawing code designed for antiquated platforms rather than the shiny new Blu-Ray, high-definition, smart TV consoles of today, a huge task was at hand.
They managed, however, to produce something that reflected the immersive experience of the golden WWE/ WWF games of years gone by and put to the table a considerable variety of gameplay.
With that said, the gameplay was at times frustrating, with the rock, paper, scissor grapple system and kicking out of pins two reasons why controllers flew across living rooms the world over.
One thing that couldn’t be criticised was the immense graphics from the game-maker's powerhouse San Francisco Mo-Cap studios, which nailed it once again.
If the preview copy that we trialled in New York is anything to go by, this year’s game goes a few better.
For one, the roster has been drastically developed to include all of the current WWE Superstars (from John Cena to The Bellas and Sting) and some legends of the ring (Ric Flair, The Rock, Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior all join the game’s cover star Stone Cold ‘3:16’ Steve Austin).
Those pre-ordering the game ahead of its October 27 2015 release (US, October 30 internationally) will also be able to play as two of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator characters.
Add to that the return of create-a-diva, create-an-arena and create-a-champion and there’s plenty to keep you busy.
What’s better though is 2016’s improved gameplay. A tactical-based structure to fights remains but it is not as stiff or boring as the last game.
Similarly, the pin system has been made more functional and will now spring up in different places on the screen to keep the user on their toes.
Where users will truly earn their stripes are in the reversal department. Now, gamers must be incredibly clever with their reversals, with your ability to reverse moves diminishing as you struggle andenhance as you dominate.
It leaves you with a much more realistic offering and the addition of ‘major reversals’ also allows for those devastating, match-levelling reversals to turn a game on its head.
No doubt some players will take time to get used to the gameplay but the reward is obvious for the immense amount of time and effort invested in this series from 2K, Yuke’s and Visual Concepts.
WWE 2K16 is available on Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, and PS4.
Thoughts: The preview copy we played promises a vast improvement on last year's game but there is still work to be done. One thing it does promise is a superb offering 12 months down the line.
Price: Dh220.34
Where to buy: Pre-order on www.shop.wwe.com
